Speaking to MTV News at Worldcon 2012, Martin described a "skinny British kid" who "dressed all in black" and approached him at the 1987 San Diego Comic-Con to contribute a story about a "guy who lives in dreams" to the anthology.

"He didn't have much in the way of credit, so I kind of blew him off, but things have changed since then and I would love to have Neil Gaiman back writing for Wildcards," said Martin, laughing.

Gaiman confirmed the story. "And then I went off and did Sandman," he said. "It wasn't a Wildcards thing."

The Sandman went on to become one of the most successful and acclaimed comics series of all time.

Gaiman will return to the character for a JH Williams III-illustrated prequel miniseries in 2013.